InMiTro – Intelligent Mixing and Drying
The research project InMiTro aims to develop a concept to increase the quality and deepen the understanding of the process interdependencies between the mixing and drying processes, using innovative analysis methods and measurement techniques. By developing a mixing quality function and new inline measurement methods for drying, the high scrap rate and the effort required for process parameter determination are to be reduced.
Project Description
For competitive, cost-efficient battery production, flexible production line and testing technology for in situ monitoring and early control and optimisation of the mixing and coating/drying processes are crucial. Therefore, the goal of the InMiTro project is to gain insights into the process steps of powder handling, mixing and drying by developing and implementing new inline measurement methods in combination with optimised production equipment. This enables targeted, intelligent control of the production process.
Through a comprehensive investigation of the ambient conditions during powder handling, the use of dry room or inert gas atmospheres during material storage is to be reduced to a minimum. The quality assurance provided by the new measuring methods and the analysis enabled guarantee early detection of defect patterns, which leads to a reduction in scrap. In addition, targeted regulation of the mixing and drying processes enables a reduction in process time and energy consumption. The methods developed can support the cell manufacturer in the processing of different materials and electrode designs, by reducing the high adjustment effort of the production line parameters.